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Updated January 10, 2024·
When deciding between the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16, consider the following tradeoffs. If you prioritize customization and repairability, the Framework Laptop may be a preferable choice as it's designed for easy upgrades and replacements. However, the ThinkPad Z16 typically offers robust build quality and often includes features geared towards business users like enhanced security options and a more conservative design. If performance is a key concern, particularly for tasks like 3D modeling, machine learning, or gaming, make sure to compare the specifications as the ThinkPad may offer higher-end configurations that provide more power. On the other hand, the Framework is marketed for its sustainability and modularity, allowing for potentially longer lifespan due to its upgradable components. Bear in mind that higher performance can come with tradeoffs in battery life and portability, as more powerful laptops often weigh more and consume energy faster. Consider your most frequent tasks and whether portability or power is more crucial to your daily use. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
- Very good portability
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16
- Very good for general use
- Very good for engineering and design
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall display quality
- Very good overall build quality
- Best in class speakers
- Excellent keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.5
8.6
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
472.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
393.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
8.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 is very good for general use, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Engineering and Design
7.3
8.4
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 is very good for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 is favored for engineering and design due to its more powerful AMD processor, higher RAM capacity, stronger dedicated GPU, and superior OLED screen quality, while the Framework Laptop 13, with its repairable and customizable design, offers a balance between performance and portability, featuring a solid Intel processor, adequate RAM, integrated graphics, and a high-quality IPS display.
Content Creation
7.5
8.5
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 is very good for content creation, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.6
8.2
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 is very good for software development, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
7.4
8.5
13.5in
SIZE
16.0in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
393.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Framework Laptop offers a pleasant visual experience with sufficient resolution and brightness, making it comfortable for daily tasks, while the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 enhances this with a sharper display and superior brightness, offering clearer and more vivid images. The ThinkPad Z16 outshines the Framework Laptop in engineering and design due to its wider color gamut coverage, providing more accurate colors for professional creative work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both laptops fall short because their screens don't offer high refresh rates, which is crucial for smooth motion and gameplay.
Portability
Very Good
Good
13.5in
SIZE
16.0in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
4.2 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.3
6.7
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.6/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has an Intel Iris Xe integrated GPU and a 60Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for light gaming and entry-level 3D tasks, whereas the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 comes with a more powerful AMD RX 6500M dedicated GPU and the same 60Hz refresh rate but offers better gaming and 3D capabilities due to the superior graphic processing of its dedicated GPU. Additionally, the ThinkPad's OLED screen provides enhanced screen quality over the Framework's IPS display, making it a more appealing option for graphic-intensive applications and media consumption.
Battery
7.5 Hours
7.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 has 7 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Build Quality
7.8
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 to have very good build quality, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,079
$1,120
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 costs $1,120.
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How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Framework Laptop 13 (2023) | Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,079 | $1,120 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.7'' x 9'' x 0.62'' | 14'' x 9.4'' x 0.62'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.95 lbs | 4.27 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.7" | 13.95" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.01" | 9.35" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1340P | AMD Ryzen 7 6850H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 2048 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.5 Hours | 7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 55 Wh | 72 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.5" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | OLED | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2256 x 1504 | 3840 x 2400 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 472 nits | 393 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | Yes | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 9.6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
Wired
Scott Gilbertson | July 2023
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
Lenovo ThinkPad Z16
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Dig into reviews and images
PCWorld
Matthew S. Smith | September 2022
"Lenovo’s ThinkPad Z16 tries has some success in its effort to tweak the ThinkPad formula. The laptop is attractive, yet still tame, and material quality is on par with the best Windows competition. I also like the smooth, responsive haptic touchpad and the wide range of modern connectivity. Yet the Z16 doesn’t fix ThinkPad’s typical weakness: value. Starting around $1,550, and more typically near $1,700, the Z16 finds itself facing alternatives that have better performance or an improved display for the same price, or less."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16
About Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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